NHV Purchases 10 Eurocopter EC175s

Helicopters will serve in offshore, SAR, air medical, security and passenger transport missions.

Eurocopter has obtained an order from NHV Helicopters of Ostend, Belgium for 10 EC175s that will operate from the company’s UK base in Norwich. The helicopters will conduct a variety of missions, including offshore transport, SAR, air medial, security/border patrol and crew transfer. The agreement is worth around €150 million (approximately $191 million), covering a phased handover starting in 2013 and running until 2015. The EC175s will be configured to carry up to 16 passengers 135 nm or 12 passengers up to 190 nm.

Colin Hancy, UK commercial manager for NHV, described the purchase as a “major investment” for the company, which operates in Europe, Africa and South America. He added that NHV plans to expand its offshore services and wind farm support, as well as operations at the Klyne Business Aviation Center in Norwich. “We’ve also just completed a three-month contract for Shell, flying maintenance crews to various gas production platforms in the UK and Dutch sectors of the Southern North Sea,” Hancy said. With the 10 EC175s, NHV’s fleet will increase to around 40 helicopters around the globe.Related:Offshore News

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